Everything you need to know about two-way radio hire!

Everything you need to know about two-way radio hire!

At Foresolutions, we’ve answered every question you could think of when considering two-way radio hire. We hope you find everything your looking for, if not please get in touch on 023 80 249 860 or email us at sales@foresolutions.co.uk

What’s the ultimate objective with your radio system?

For most businesses, the answers fall into these broad categories:

As a manager you want to keep in immediate contact with your colleagues

You want the kit you use to be reliable and cost effective

You want the kit to be simple and easy to use

Two-way radios will increase staff safety if they are off site or working on their own

Two-way radios will increase productivity and efficiency

Your communication will be faster and tasks completed quicker

Who will be using the two-way radios?

Two-way radios are extremely scaleable, whether its a management level tool or expanded to all staff, you simply add more units as required.

Where will the radios be used?

We’ll need to know how to give your radio system the best coverage, consider the following:

Will you be using two-way radios inside buildings?

Will you be using two-way radios outdoors on-site?

Will you be using two-way radios over wide areas?

Will you be using two-way radios in hilly or mountainous terrain?

Will you be using two-way radios in vehicles?

Knowing where you will be using your two-way radios will determine whether you use VHF or UHF radio frequencies and which would be most effective for you. UHF frequencies are a better choice in buildings or built-up areas, whereas VHF frequencies travel further, giving you greater range outdoors.

What type of two-way radio is best for you?

You have a range of options suitable for your exact purpose:

Handheld portable two way radios. The “walkie talkie” type of radio carried on a belt clip or in a pocket.

Vehicle-mounted mobile radios, typically used by taxis, patrol vehicles, couriers or other service vehicles.

Two way radio repeaters – boost the signal between radios to increase their range, or where built-up areas might interrupt the signal.

You might even need to hire a combination of different types of radio. We’ll help you devise a system that meets the needs of all your users.

Other features available

Consider the following deemed as alternative features:

If your workers spend many hours away from base, a radio with a long battery life will be a priority.

If they are lone workers, safety features such as Emergency Alert or Lone Worker are important.

Workers in rough outdoor conditions will need a durable radio that may need to be waterproof; potentially with a high IP rating.

Analogue or digital radios?

Another choice to make is whether to use a digital or analogue radio system. Whilst technical advancements are making digital radios an increasingly popular choice, analogue radios still have their place and are likely to be in use for some time to come.

Will you need a licence for two-way radio hire?

If your radio system relies on a base station or uses vehicle mounted radios you must have a licence. Even if you’re not in this situation, the lower power and range of pre-programmed, licence free radios often make them unsuitable for business use.

Ofcom issues all types of radio licence, but don’t worry about the application process, we’ll even help you fill in any paperwork.

What accessories do you need?

Consider the following as additional extras:

Chargers

Headsets

Batteries

Earpieces

Multi-chargers (if you need a number of handsets charged simultaneously)

Belt clips and carry cases for portable radios

What if something stops working?

We offer full on-site tech support and maintenance packages. Giving you peace of mind that not only is your system the most suitable and cost effective for you, but that any down time is limited.